When does an absentee ballot vote actually count in an election?

Question

Does it count just like a "normal" vote, or is it only counted when the vote is closer than a certain percentage?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

It's counted as a normal vote because it is a normal vote. It's just a different method of voting.

Answer 2

Apparently only when it is a republican vote. Democrat votes don't count anymore anyway.

Answer 3

It is always counted. Usually though, there aren't so many that they would affect the results, so they might not get counted right away, but they will always be part of the official count.

Answer 4

it depends on the state...check with whatever state you live in.
and always send an absentee ballot by certified mail.
i do it every election.

Answer 5

yes it counts just like a normal vote. the absentee ballot is for people that will not be in the county for that day. You can not vote for the issues with an absenee ballot.

Answer 6

Yes it is counted and usually in the same day of the election. Of course this depends how many have come in.

It is the prefered way as well! It leaves a paper trail for a recount, compared to the electronic voting machines that don't.

Answer 7

A very interesting question, since many politicians want to say they want every ballot counted. (I'd guess if they knew they would lose votes, they'd prefer them not being counted where possible. lol).

I heard a rumor that in California, all ballots are not counted, unless it is a close race. Since I tend to vote via absentee ballot and in Ca. I was very curious about this issue as well.

From my quick research, it seems to me each state may have different rules; at least based on this comment:
*All valid absentee ballots are counted in every election in California, regardless of the outcome or closeness of any race.
http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections…

Oddly, I ran across an article where Brouard County in Fl. had made headlines in 2004, for yet another cry of "Foul" with ballots. This time, I have to side with residents and even the ACLU, where ballots were mailed late, and received the day of the election. A lawsuit was filed.
http://www.aclu.org/votingrights/gen/130…

Pennsylvania Govenor Rendell insisted all eligible ballots will be counted; including absentee ballots. This was in 2004.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04300/401…

I cannot verify, however, whether all states do in fact count all eligible absentee ballots if the ballots will not affect the outcome. Spoiled ballots (voting for 2 candidates, and many other rules) can disqualify ballots, and absentee ballots.

I find it hard to believe, however, that this would be true. It seems unlikely any eligible ballot would go uncounted, because there are usually more issues than major races. There are propositions, judges, and other smaller issues that would undoubtedly get questioned if all ballots were not counted.

Answer 8

As an election worker in Ohio, I can tell you Ohio law requires all valid absentee ballots to be counted even if the could not effect the election results. At least that is what the BOE tells election workers during training. I haven't actually read that law.

I asked a similar question 2 weeks ago and stated an official source was required to be 'best answer'. Of the 4 answers I received, one said "No official source is needed" and one linked instructions on how to get an absentee ballot. The other 2 said something like 'I hope so'. I withdrew the question.

EDIT: I just read an answer that claimed you can't vote for issues on absentee ballots. I have voted absentee since Nov 2004 and there have been issues on every absentee ballot I have had.